Never too much silliness...

Here's a scrapbook page I just finished of a Spring Break activity of ours. We went with Rossi's, Leland's & Greene's to  rollerskate - although the bigger kids chose the rollerblades.

I ,myself, chose "old school" because that's how I roll ;o)

Tess growing up

This is the slideshow I made for Tess' baptism. It shows our little one growing up. It's about 8 minutes long so if you have a little free time, it's cute to watch...no pressure -

you decide how to spend your time (I think it's so worth it) ;o)

Sorry-it's low resolution - Blogger wouldn't let me load my big file

Tess' Bday Party...

We decided to go ahead and have her party on her actual birthday - quite the novelty in our home! Her birthday always falls during the week of Spring Break for my kids. So we gathered the kids who were in town (luckily most of her best friends) and had a swim party. The water is still chilly but they didn't seem to mind!

Tess' baptism

This was Tess eight years ago in her Blessing dress. It was the first of two special white dresses I would make her (along with many others). I started heirloom sewing and smocking when Marisa was born - almost 15 years ago. I wanted each daughter to have their own dresses to hand down if they chose. I still remember every stitch I made on her blessing dress and reminisced about the last eight years while smocking her baptism dress.

We had a really special day on Sunday when Tess was baptized. We're so proud of her and her choices she's made.

We love you!!

Here's a close up of the smocking and embroidery for a few who have asked. The dress is made of Dupioni silk and  has silk satin ribbon, buillion roses and pearls. The sleeves are edged in English netting lace :o)

My Baby Turns 8!!

Today my Little Love turned 8! It seems just like yesterday that she was a little sugar lump just being cute. We loved to snuggle on her and give her tons of kisses (we still do but not as easily!). I called her Little Love and knew I'd be crazy about her for life! 

Now she's growing up and getting big teeth and straight hair. This picture is from a couple years ago but I love it since it shows the ringlets she used to have. This is a special year - she'll be baptized on Sunday. We're still crazy about her and we've loved watching her grow-but slow it down a bit, can you...pretty please?!

Chocoholic?.... anyone?

This is seriously the yummiest chocolate cake ever - period. I've made it into small bundtlettes and regular sized cakes - either way, it's delicious.

If you have anyone in your life who loves chocolate, make this and it'll definitely make them smile :o)

My family's favorite

This is my family's ultimate favorite - coconut bread. It's a sweet bread like banana or such. For those of you crazy people who don't like coconut - you're missing out on something SO good! All you others - give this a whirl...it won't disapoint!

(or you can try some at Tess' baptism this Sunday if you live near :o)

And then there were three...

My kids have cut down from the five sports to only three - thank goodness! Ryan's baseball season has begun full force - about four nights a week! They won their game last night 12-0. However, we won't gloat too much since his good friend, Brevan, was on the other team (we cheered for him also). 

Ryan batted in four runs and scored two runs himself - good job Ry!